Exploring and Encouraging a Healthy Life Marked with Joy

Posts tagged ‘sad’

Here’s a quite interesting (and thought-provoking) take on the pursuit of happiness. It’s a short video by journalist Oliver Burkeman introducing his new book, The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can’t Stand Positive Thinking.

I’ve decided to start a new blog called Don’tEnJoy: We’re All Gonna Die!

On Tuesday of this week (messy wet weather in south Georgia), I finished my Everyday Creative Writing Class earlier than expected, leaving about twenty minutes of class time. So instead of rushing on over to Chik-fil-A, I decided to have my (wonderful) students do a bit of impromptu in-class writing. Looking out the window and seeing the light rain, I said, “Just write about the rain.” Seeing glazed looks, I added, “Or write a brief note to Whitney.” Still seeing glazed looks, I told them I was going to the bathroom and to get busy.

About ten minutes later, we shared. (Btw, fellow teachers, I have the tradition of having the class applaud a student writer when her or his work is shared in class. I love that simple gesture of appreciation.)

Most wrote about the rain, but a few addressed Whitney. (But come to think of it, both prompts were basically the same, I suppose.) Here are a few rough first drafts.

I’m not shocked that you passed away. Yes, “I will always love you, ” but it’s no surprise that drugs and alcohol killed you. I’m sure you just wanted to “dance with somebody” and that is why you used. Obviously your “bodyguard” wasn’t strong enough to protect you this time. In your process of “getting to happy” you looked at God, and he said, “I look to you.” Now you’re experiencing “the greatest love of all.” I hope heaven is fun.

A few years ago I heard the song “I Will Always Love you” on The Simpsons. I didn’t know who sang the song, but I have remembered how it went ever since. It’s one of the most beautifully passionate vocal performances I have ever heard.

I hope that singing was truly your passion and that you loved every second of it. I know that you had a problem with drugs, but everyone makes mistakes. I’m just sad that yours were your downfall.

I know this is bad timing but wtf happened? You threw away more than your talent; you threw away your impact on the world. You could have done so much more for women. Been a great role model for generations. But you decided to get high instead. You’ve left nothing behind but some killer songs from the 90’s and a path of great pain and disaster.

I wanted to BE you. I remember when you were the fairy godmother in the Cinderella movie with Brandi. I sang those songs for years. I still remember “There Can Be Miracles” from The Prince of Egypt.

What happened? I hope your soul is safe and we can talk through this during eternity.